Another vessel seized off Somali coast as threat level increased
Summary
Pirates have recently seized several vessels near the coast of Somalia, raising concerns about maritime safety. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has increased the threat level to "substantial" due to these hijackings, advising ships to be cautious when passing through the area.Key Facts
- A cargo ship was seized off the Somali coast and redirected to Somalia’s territorial waters.
- At least four vessels, including a fishing boat and an oil tanker, have been targeted by suspected pirates in the last week.
- Piracy had nearly stopped in this area three years ago but has now returned.
- The UKMTO warned about pirate activity and noted that weather conditions help pirates use small boats.
- One hijacking happened six nautical miles off Garacad, Somalia, with no further details released.
- Pirates captured an oil tanker named Honour 25 with 17 crew members from various countries in late April.
- The oil tanker was anchored near Somali fishing towns Xaafun and Bander Beyla under pirate control.
- Some pirates tried to board a cargo ship on Thursday but were scared off by warning shots from the ship’s crew.
- Between 2005 and 2012, Somali pirates earned hundreds of millions of dollars by holding ships and crews for ransom.
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